'We've repositioned [the opera] to between 1830 and 1840 - a very important period for feminism with the Brontës and all those amazing women like Mary Anning who were early feminists, fossil-hunters and scientists.'

‘We became very excited by the idea that there are some big scenes missing for Lucia', said the director. 'I have a very strong feminist agenda. My focus for this opera is 100% on the female characters - Alisa and Lucia. I wanted to find a way of explaining why Lucia does a lot of the things that she does and particularly why she goes so-called ‘insane’. We discussed the idea that we might stage the [usually off-stage] murder of Arturo. Once we’d let that idea out it was like Pandora’s box - all these other things fluttered up and we realized that we could provide a lot of additional data about what Lucia does while the male characters are singing about her.’

To enable this augmented storytelling, Katie and Vicki have opted for a split-stage design, where the action unfurls in two separate, but linked rooms for each scene.

'In terms of tone, we're trying to work with the musical score to support the intensity', said Vicki. We wanted to create dual environments that gave a real weight to the characters involved and a substantial sense of who these people are - they're not only a gothic set of characters but that they're really inhabited with a sense of existential romanticism.'

For Katie, this approach allows the audience to see ‘the bits of Lucia that I would really love to see as well as doing what normally happens.'

The event, presented by Amy Lane, The Royal Opera's Head Staff Director, will give behind the scenes insights into Gaetano Donizetti’s opera through a series of interviews with members of the cast and creative team.

Last night's performance commemorated the 40th anniversary of John Copley’s production, and four decades of John and Anya Sainsbury’s generous support of the Royal Opera House through the Linbury Trust.La bohème runs until 19 July 2014. Some tickets are still available. It will be relayed live for free on BP Big Screens on Tuesday 15 July. Find out more. Next Season, the production runs 23 May-16 July 2015.

The annual BP Big Screen events attract thousands, many of whom bring picnics to enjoy while they soak up the unique atmosphere.

The story

La rondine tells the story of elegant courtesan Magda who meets the young and innocent Ruggero. She's smitten and dreams of building a life with him. Her chequered past however, is difficult to escape.

The score

Puccini's score uses a number of popular dances, including the waltz, tango, one-step and foxtrot. It also contains some exquisite arias, including Magda's dreamy 'Chi il bel sogno di Doretta'.

Of Puccini’s composition, Charles Castronovo (Ruggero) says: ‘He has this ability to create a melody that sticks with us immediately. Puccini really thinks about the voice…it’s very satisfying to sing’.

A difficult role

Angela Gheorghiu, who will sing the role of Magda during the relay, says that the role is one of the most difficult she has sung. 'Your voice needs to be very clean and very soft from the first note to the last,' she says.

On the day of performance, we’ll be giving an exclusive look into preparations through our social media activity so be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook before the big day. We’ll be using the hashtag #BPbigscreens so tweet us your thoughts, as well as a picture of your picnic to be in for a chance of winning a picnic hamper.

La rondine runs from 5 – 21 July. Tickets are on sale now. The production is sponsored by Coutts. Generous philanthropic support was given by Mr and Mrs Christopher W.T. Johnston and The American Friends of Covent Garden.

Charles Castronovo is to replace Vittorio Grigolo for all his scheduled La rondineperformances and will sing the role of Ruggero Lastouc on 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 July.

Charles most recently performed with The Royal Opera in February 2012, singing the role of Ferrando in Così fan tutte. He has also sung the roles of Tom Rakewell in The Rake's Progress and Alfredo Germont in La traviata with the company. Later on in the 2012/13 season, he will sing the role of Tamino in Die Zauberflöte.

Brazilian tenor Atalla Ayan will sing the role of Ruggero Lastouc in the remaining performances on 13 (matinee), 20 and 21 (matinee) July.

Booking for La rondine opens on 13 March for Friends of Covent Garden and 9 April for the General Public.